In a recent video from the YouTube channel “Eckhart Tolle,” the revered spiritual teacher and author dives deep into the essence of Awakening and the significance of one’s State of Consciousness. Tolle guides us to understand that the most crucial element in any life situation is not the situation itself, but the state of consciousness with which we meet it. He emphasizes that our present state of consciousness fundamentally shapes how we perceive and react to whatever arises in the moment, thereby influencing the unfolding of future moments.
Tolle invites us to consider that the myriad of situations we encounter, while perhaps important, are of secondary importance. The paramount focus should be on our state of consciousness at the present moment. He encourages us to consistently ask ourselves, “What is my state of consciousness right now?” This reflective question serves as a tool to help us become present and more aware of our immediate mental and emotional state.
The moment we inquire about our state of consciousness, we can usually sense an immediate answer—whether we are truly present or not. This realization transcends mere intellectual understanding; it is a direct, experiential knowing. Are we present, or are we lost in habitual thoughts and emotions? Are there persistent thoughts that something is wrong, or that we’d rather be somewhere else? These are common states of untethered consciousness that many people find themselves in, often without realizing it.
Tolle uses relatable scenarios to illustrate these points. For example, he mentions the familiar state of longing to be somewhere else, a sentiment that many people live with almost continuously. This chronic discontent and restlessness can significantly hinder our ability to be fully present.
Moreover, the video explores the phenomenon of falling in love, a condition often tinged with delusion. Tolle explains that the initial stages of a romantic relationship often involve an idealized perception of the other person, creating a temporary illusion of completeness. Observing couples in a restaurant, he points out, can reveal this difference. Those newly in love interact with a heightened sense of presence and admiration—yet this is fleeting and often fades once they begin living together.
The ultimate teaching Tolle imparts is rooted in the ancient wisdom of Awakening, a term long used since the time of the Buddha and even before. He explains that the name “Buddha” itself means “the one who is awake” in Sanskrit, signifying not a person, but a state of consciousness. This concept of Awakening, or staying awake, is echoed in the teachings of Jesus as well. Tolle recounts an instance where Jesus says, “And what I say to you, I say to all: Stay awake.” Clearly, this call to wakefulness is metaphorical, urging us all to transcend our normal, often unconscious, states of being.
Drawing from our daily experiences, Tolle relates Awakening to the transition from sleep to wakefulness each morning. This analogy is profound, as awakening from sleep marks a significant shift in our state of consciousness. In a similar vein, becoming fully present in our daily lives signifies a departure from the conditioned, largely unconscious state in which many people operate.
Tolle’s teachings remind us that our usual state of human consciousness is often akin to being asleep, as it is heavily conditioned by past experiences and future anxieties. True Awakening, therefore, involves breaking free from these mental chains and becoming fully present in the now.
To delve deeper into understanding and cultivating a present state of consciousness, consider reading “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.”
To fully grasp and integrate these teachings, we encourage you to watch the video embedded at the top of this blog post. Eckhart Tolle’s gentle yet profound insights have the power to guide you towards a more awakened and present state of being, enriching your life in ways you may never have imagined.
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